Process for treatment of organic wastes

ABSTRACT

A process for conversion of organic wastes into biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade is provided. Also provided is a process for conversion of organic wastes into material for converting waste water into reusable water. The invention provides methods for conversion of organic solid wastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of a geophagus earthworm  Pheretima elongata  culure to produce a variety of valuable soil conditioning products and reusable water.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Indian Patent application no.383/MUM/2002 entitled “Process for Waste Water Renovation,” filed Apr.26, 2002, and Indian application No.384/MUM/2002 entitled “Process forTreatment of Organic Wastes,” filed Apr. 26, 2002, by the sameinventors. Both applications are expressly incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a process for conversion of organic wastesinto biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizergrade, culture grade and soil grade and reusable water. In particular,the invention relates to a process for conversion of organic solidwastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of selectivegeophagus earthworms Pheretima elongata culture to produce variety ofvaluable soil conditioning products and reusable water by way of asimple and cost effective process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human and animal habitations generate large quantities of wastes. Theorganic fraction of these wastes often accumulate in the neighborhood ofhabitations and their decomposition products affect detrimentally thequality of soil, water and air. Meanwhile, the demand for water has goneup and the need to renovate and reuse water has become imperative. Indeveloping countries existing technologies for wastewater renovation areviable only in very large-scale operations and so cost of operationbecomes prohibitive and lead to improper functioning and maintenance ofplants (Arceivala, S. J., Wastewater Treatment for Pollution control,TMH publications New Delhi, India, 1998). Even the treated water in manycases breed mosquitoes thereby compounding the problem.

Many technologies are available to deal with organic wastes but most ofthese are energy intensive. Sanitary land filling is becoming unviabledue to non-availability of landfill space. In biogas technologyinvestments are large and subsequent liquid effluents consume muchenergy for disposal and solid product from such processes having lowenergy value for soil have limited market as fertilizer. Most currenttechnologies face problems of acidity, culture fatalities and problemsof process waste disposal. Composting has been practiced for over 50years. However in the composting process bioenergy of the organic wasteis lost and therefore the product retains very little energy for use insoil. In view of energy cost of composting operation, low value and lowyield of product, the technology becomes useful if disposal is theobjective. Organic waste conversion to biomass briquettes is a usefultechnology but the energy cost of drying and briquetting is high andhence such technology is also unviable in many cases.

Several technologies are available for treatment of organic liquid wastecontaining chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand(BOD), nitrogen, phosphorous, suspended solids, bacteria, color, odoretc. The presence of these pollutants in water is a form of toxicity andshould therefore be substantially removed. Activated Sludge, Tricklingfilter, and Oxidation Ponds are examples of technologies currently inoperation. All these technologies are energy intensive and viable onlyin very large scale. They produce residues whose disposal can createproblems. Treated water is generally not fish compatible and such waterdischarged into drinking water sources endanger lives of dependentpopulation (Bhawalkar, U.S., “Vermiculture Bioconversion of OrganicResidues”, Ph.D. Thesis, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay,1996; Pattanaik B. R., “Processing of Wastewaters in Soil Filters”,Ph.D. Thesis, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay, 2000). Landtreatment of wastewater has been known for long. Here intermittenthydraulic loading of 0.001 m³/m² per hr. is permissible and treatedwater is not easy to recover for reuse. Root zone treatment technologyis similar to land treatment methods and have similar requirement andfeatures (Nivens, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,838, “Onsite WastewaterRecycling System”). Constructed wetland treatment technology has been inpractice in many areas. In this case wetland—rock—aquatic ecology isengaged wherein subsurface flow brings about treatment. Hydraulicloading of 0.001-0.005 m³/m².hr is observed (Behrends, U.S. Pat. No.5,863,433, “Reciprocating Subsurface Flow, Constructed wetland forimproving Wastewater Treatment”).

Use of surface dwelling redworm Eisenia foetida in vermifilters andVermicomposting is known (Lee, K. E., Earthworms—Their ecology andrelationship with soils & land use, Academic Press, NY (1985)). However,there are major drawbacks of such processes and formulations leading tolow yield of vermicompost. Moreover, it requires well-macerated excreta,preferably animal excreta, containing 1 percent or more protein nitrogenand 70 percent moisture, so, there are problems of maintaining them inthe filter. This is because they cannot live in the own excreta and asconditions arising from accumulation of waste products become adversethey migrate away. (Bhawalkar, “Vermiculture Bioconversion of OrganicResidues”, PhD. Thesis, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay,1996.; Pattanaik B. R., “Processing of Wastewaters in Soil Filters”,PhD. Thesis, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay, 2000) In orderto prevent this migration converted material is to be separated andfresh material is t be added to the process. This leads to low loadingrates thereby requiring large space for the vermicomposting process.Culture replacement is also necessary. In view of the generated acidicenvironment abnormal bio indicators of acidic environment do appear andthe use of other chemical pest control measures become necessary. Whenthe acidity becomes very high it becomes essential to unearth the entirespace and prepare the place afresh leading to long turnover times, losso productivity, etc. Such redworm cultures not being native to healthysoils their disposal becomes problematic. Other issues related to theuse of Eisenia foetida (all surface dwelling varieties) are sudden lossof culture and pest incidence. (Bhawalkar U.S., Vermiculturebioconversion of Organic Residues, PhD. thesis, IIT Bombay 1996;Pattanaik, B. R., Waste Water Processing in Soil Filters, PhD. thesis,IIT Bombay, 2000). In general, available technologies do not use soilsystem because they tend to choke and become non-functional.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to providing a process and a systemfor large scale processing of organic wastes including animal/humanfaeces using green technologies for organic waste conversion tobiofertilizer and reusable water, herein referred to as SoilBiotechnology (SBT), without formation of objectionable process wastesthereby eliminating common operating problems of clogging, interruptionsand waste disposal.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a process fortreating organic waste for manufacture of biofertilizer andsubstantially non-toxic reusable water comprising: i) processing theorganic liquid waste in a biofilter media comprising culture ofgeophagus earthworms Pheretima elongata, soil and bacterial cultures asdefined herein with or without other mineral additive thereby providingsubstantially non-toxic reusable water; and ii) processing the organicsolid waste selectively in the presence of cultures of geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata in combination with bacterial cultures suchas defined herein and a mineral source under controlled moisture contentto provide a biofertilizer.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a processfor producing biofilter media comprising earthworm culture comprising:a) collecting the geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata from itsnatural habitat; b) developing a covered green space on the soil byproviding 20-30 g/m² per day organics such as herein defined, ii)maintaining moisture at about 30-40%, and iii) adding the preferredmineral powder at less than 1000 micron@5-10 g/m² per day; and c)harvesting the culture after appropriate period of time (preferablyfollowing a high rainfall period, such as monsoon season) as sievedpowder. The powder obtained is used as a source of earthworm culture.The sieved powder could be made of particles less than 500 microns insize.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a processfor producing biofilter media comprising bacterial culture comprising:(a) developing the appropriate geophagus earthworm culture Pheretimaelongata in a green space for 4-6 weeks by providing i) 20-30 g/m² perday organics such as hereindefined ii) moisture about 30-40% iii)preferred mineral powder of appropriate size (about less than 1000micron)@5-10 g/m² per day; and (b) maintaining the mix above underconditions for developing the cultures and harvesting the culture as asieved powder for use as a source of bacterial culture. The culturecould be sieved to about 500 micron size.

In accordance with the general process of this invention, the singlestage SBT process basically involves: (i) preparation of the geophagusearthworms culture Pheretima elongata and preparation of bacterialculture; (ii) preparation of the soil media to contain the geophagusearthworms Pheretima elongata; (iii) construction of an under drainfirst tank and a collection tank herein referred to as second tank; (iv)layering of the media over the first tank; (v) percolation of theorganic waste through the layered media; (vi) collection of the treatedwater in the second tank; (vii) recirculation of the treated water toachieve the desired quality; and (viii) using bioindicators to monitorthe reformed water at various stages of the process.

In one of the aspect of the invention mineral additive such as primarymineral powder or weathered mineral powder or iron-rich mineral powderof specified particle sizes and composition are added into the organicwaste to be treated.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided abiofiltration system for carrying out the process of treating organicliquid waste to provide substantially non-toxic reusable watercomprising: i) a biofilter media comprising one or more filter mediaselectively comprising of anyone or more of culture of geophagusearthworm, bacterial cultures, soil with or without mineral additive;and ii) organic wastewater for processing through said biofilter in onestage or multiple stages and collect/supply the water thus processedsubstantially free of toxic content.

In another aspect of the invention, a multi stage process of organicwaste renovation is carried out in a bio-tower wherein several singlestage SBT processes are sequentially integrated.

One aspect of the invention provides a process for renovation of waterfrom organic wastes—an integrated process combining Geophagousearthworms with potent bacterial cultures, minerals, water from organicwastes and soil.

Another aspect of the invention provides a process for easy removal ofsuspended solids without use of energy and to recover these solids asgood quality fertilizer.

In another aspect of the invention, a multi stage process of the organicwaste renovation is carried out in a bio tower wherein several singlestage SBT processes are integrated with the option to re-circulate thetreated water from any stage to any other stage as desired.

Another aspect of the invention provides a process wherein bacterialselection interaction is nurtured via earthworm culture so as to obtaina stable system despite large variation in input load.

Another aspect of the invention provides an engineered system forremoval of nitrates and phosphates in water from organic wastes.

Another aspect of the invention provides a process for renovation athigher hydraulic loading rates.

Another aspect of the invention provides Biotower technology using theSBT system for producing reusable water and save on space wherein veryhigh removal efficiencies are achieved.

Another aspect of the invention provides a technology for non-chemicalcleaning of swimming pool waters.

Another aspect of the invention provides a process for renovation ofwater from organic wastes to fish compatible quality so that waterbodies viz. lakes and rivers afflicted by pollution can be restored tohealth.

In another aspect of this invention the SBT process may be implementedin any existing conventional activated sludge plants and their like.

In another aspect of this invention the SBT process may be implementedin any existing conventional oxidation ponds and their like.

The process described herein removes one or more of pollutants viz. BOD,COD, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, suspended solids, phosphate,odor, colour, bacteria while substantially increasing dissolved oxygenand producing fish compatible renovated water and all this in a singleintegrated bed without producing sludge.

Another aspect of the invention is a process for the manufacture ofeffective fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade SBT productsfrom organic wastes in the presence of selective species, which wouldfacilitate such conversion without any environmental problems.

Another aspect of the invention provides a process with high oxygentransfer rates so as to ensure aerobic environment and have high removalof BOD, COD and NH₄—N and pathogens.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a process for manufactureof effective SBT products from organic wastes using selective organismsthat can operate at high rates without requiring extensive field area tocarry out such process.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide for the process oforganic waste management that can be easily set up and run with minimumcost, operational constraints and with maximal operational advantages.

Yet Another aspect of the invention provides for process for organicwaste conversion, which would achieve high bioenergy recoveryefficiency.

Yet Another aspect of the invention provides a simple and cost effectiveprocess for organic waste conversion to produce SBT products in highyields.

Yet it is another object of the invention to produce pest resistant SBTproducts with high activity and shelf-life.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided aprocess for the manufacture of biofertilizer from organic wastecomprising: providing a culture media comprising geophagus earthwormculture Pheretima elongata in a green space including bacterial cultureas herein defined, moisture and a mineral source; processing the organicwaste in the presence of said culture media under controlled moisturecontent to obtain the biofertilizer; and sieving to obtain the productof desired particle size.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided aprocess for the manufacture of biofertilizer from organic wastecomprising: (i) providing (a) the mineral additives; (b) naturalphosphate powder; (c) soil; and (d) bacterial culture; and (ii)processing the mix of (i) above with organic waste in a geophagusearthworm culture green space for sufficient period under controlledmoisture content to thereby obtain the desired biofertilizer.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided aprocess for the manufacture of biofertilizer from organic wastecomprising: providing a system of ridges and troughs; providing aculture media comprising geophagus earthworm culture Pheretima elongataas a green space including bacterial culture, moisture and a mineralsource in said ridges having green plants to house said culture; andprocessing the organic waste in said system under controlled moisturecontent to obtain the biofertilizer in the presence of said culturemedia.

In one aspect of the invention an organic waste treatment system isprovided, the system comprising: a material comprising organic waste;and a biofilter media comprising a geophagus earthworm Pheretimaelongata culture, a bacteria culture, and optionally a mineral source.

The organic waste treatment system may comprise at least one trough witha ridge, the trough to receive and hold the biofilter media and theorganic waste. In one embodiment, depth of the trough is between about1-3 m.

In one embodiment, the organic waste treatment system comprises at leastone first tank to receive and hold the biofilter media and the organicwaste, the first tank having a first pipe to allow draining of thereusable water from the first tank. In one embodiment, the first pipe islocated substantially towards bottom of the first tank.

In one embodiment, the organic waste treatment system further comprisesa second tank to receive and collect the reusable water, the second tankconnected to the first tank by the first pipe, the first pipe allowingthe reusable water to flow from the first tank to the second tank.

In one embodiment, the first tank further includes a bottom surface, thebottom surface having a slope of {fraction (1/100)} gradient, the bottomsurface being impervious.

In one embodiment of the organic waste treatment system the first tankfurther holds at least one layer of a percolation media, the percolationmedia spread as a layer across the bottom surface of the first tank, thebiofilter media spread as a layer on top of the percolation media in thefirst tank, the percolation media allowing percolation of the organicwaste through the percolation media, the percolation through thepercolation media progressively converting the organic waste.

In one embodiment, a biofiltration system comprises the first tankfurther includes a second pipe to recirculate processed water forfurther processing to obtain the processed water of desired quality.

In one embodiment, the percolation media comprises a layer of riversand, size of the river sand between about 2 and 3 mm, thickness of thelayer of river sand between about 5 and 10 mm. In another embodiment,the percolation media further comprises a layer of grit, size of theparticles of grit between about 5 and 10 mm, thickness of the layer ofgrit at 100 mm. In another embodiment, the percolation media furthercomprises a layer of thick stone, size of the thick stones between about25 and 50 mm, thickness of the layer of thick stone about 100 mm. Inanother embodiment, the percolation media further comprises a layer oflarge boulders, size of the large boulders between about 100 and 200 mm,thickness of the layer of large boulder at 250 mm.

In one embodiment, the plurality of layers of percolation media arearranged in progressively increasing size of particles in each layerwith smallest size particle layer at top and largest size particle layerat bottom of the first tank.

In one embodiment, the organic waste treatment system is adapted to runin batch mode of operation. In one embodiment, the organic wastetreatment system is adapted to run in continuous mode of operation.

In one embodiment, the organic waste treatment system comprises aplurality of first tanks to receive and hold the biofilter media and theorganic waste, the plurality of first tanks connected to each other byplurality of second pipes, the plurality of second pipes recirculatingthe processed water through the first tanks to further process thereusable water to obtain the reusable water of desired quality.

In one embodiment, the biofiltration system further includes pluralityof bioindicators to monitor quality of processing of the organic wasteat various stages of processing.

In one embodiment, the biofiltration system achieves a removal rateconstant for BOD (up to 0.5/hr), COD (up to 0.4/day), ammonia (up to1.0/hr), nitrate nitrogen (up to 0.1/hr), suspended solids (up to0.5/hr), bacteria (up to 1.0/hr) with hydraulic loading of 0.02 to 0.1cm/sq. m per hr.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the schematics of a biofilter operation.

FIG. 2 shows details for filling a biofilter.

FIG. 3 shows the schematics of a biotower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has been surprisingly found by way of the present invention thateffective soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture gradeand soil grade SBT products and effective renovation of water fromorganic waste can be achieved by way of conversion of organic waste toenvironmentally friendly products when such conversion is carried outselectively in the presence of cultures of the geophagus earthwormPheretima elongata in combination with bacterial cultures, selectivemineral source and soil.

In accordance of this invention the process involves i) preparation ofcultures of geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata in combination withbacterial cultures; ii) In case of the water processing system, anadditional step of preparation of the media is involved and iii) Usingthe above, solid waste or liquid waste is appropriately treated.

Thus according to one aspect of the invention there is provided aprocess for treating organic waste for manufacture of biofertilizer andsubstantially non-toxic reusable water comprising: processing theorganic waste in a biofilter media comprising a culture of the geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata, soil and bacterial cultures such ashereindefined with or without other mineral additives thereby providingsubstantially non-toxic reusable water; and processing the organic wasteselectively in the presence of cultures of geophagus earthworm Pheretimaelongata in combination with bacterial cultures such as herein definedand mineral source under controlled moisture content to thereby providebiofertilizer.

An appropriate geophagus earthworm culture Pheretima elongata isprovided. The culture is developed in a covered green space by providing20-30 gm/m² per day of organics such as ruminant animal dung whichcontains potent bacterial culture, or straw and leaf litter, moisture30-40 percent and preferred mineral source powder of appropriate size at5-10 g/m² per day. The culture is harvested for use as source culture ofgeophagus earthworms. This culture can be further powdered and sieved toabout 500 micron size.

An appropriate bacterial culture is developed in a geophagus earthwormcultured green space provided with 20-30 gm/m² per day organics such asexcreta of ruminant animals, preferably cows, buffaloes, bullocks,sheep, goats fed primarily on cellulosic residue, moisture about 30-40%,and preferred mineral powder at about 5-10 gm/m² per day. The culture isharvested for use as source culture of bacteria. The culture can befurther powdered and sieved to about 1000 micron size.

In one embodiment of the invention, an appropriate formulated soil media0.3-0.4 m thick produced by combining animal dung (15-50%), preferredmineral source of appropriate particle size (50-85%), bacterial andearthworm culture all processed in a green space for 7 days bymaintaining 30-40% moisture is provided.

Preferred mineral source can be added in amounts of up to 200% w/wselected from sources containing silica (25-30% Si), alumina (6-8% Al),iron (1-6% Fe), Potassium (2-8%), Calcium (2-10%), Magnesium (1-3%)Phosphorous (0.003-0.1%) and also containing micronutrients.

Preferred mineral additive can comprise lime, and ferric sulfate used toreduce the phosphates to desired levels. Mineral additive can also becomprised of rock powder (0.3-0.6 kg/kg organic waste), naturalphosphate powder (0.02-0.05 kg/kg organic waste) and soil (0.05-0.2kg/kg organic waste). The rock powder can be a primary rock powder or aweathered rock powder. The mineral additive in combination with saidbiofilter media further facilitates removal of suspended solids.

Biofertilizer as used herein refers to material comprisingmicro-organisms which are able to perform biochemical functionsincluding, but not limited to, fixing atmospheric nitrogen orsolubilizing phosphorus, decomposing organic material and oxidizingsulphur in the soil. On application, a biofertilizer enhances the growthof plants, increases yield and also improves soil fertility.

BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) and COD (chemical oxygen demand) of theorganic liquid waste are measured as per procedures specified inStandard Methods of Water and Waste-Water Analysis.(APHA—Standardmethods of Examination of water and waste water, American Public HealthAssociation, 18th edition, Washington, D.C. (1992)).

Green space as used herein refers to an area that is created orpreserved for the purpose of growing living things.

Organic waste as used herein refers to material comprising both organicsolid waste and organic liquid waste.

Vermicompost as used herein refers to resulting worm-worked materialproduced by earthworms.

I. Waste Water Renovation

This invention relates to a process for treating organic liquid waste(wherein the organic liquid waste is contained in municipal, domestic,agricultural, industrial waste containing residues ranging from animalexcreta, human excreta, vegetable and fruit residues, straw and leaflitter, cooked food, protein residues, slaughter waste, hospital organicwaste and the like) for providing substantially non-toxic reusable waterinvolves processing the organic liquid waste in a biofilter mediacomprising culture of geophagus earthworms Pheretima elongata, soil andbacterial cultures such as herein defined with or without other mineraladditive to provide substantially non-toxic reusable water.

Provision for distribution of organic waste is made by providing pipeddelivery to all parts of filter and distribution parts to deliver wateruniformly. An underdrain of large boulders 0.3-0.4 m thick, {fraction(1/100)}-{fraction (1/500)} gradient sloping floor and a collection tankat a suitable location is also provided.

Process control is achieved by adjusting loading rates, addition ofmineral powder so as to eliminate bioindicators of abnormality viz.,mosquitoes, rats, odor, plant disease, etc.

This approach brings about purification of organic waste dependent onthe process time, organic and hydraulic load.

In another embodiment of the invention mineral additives powder areadded to facilitate renovation.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided abiofiltration system for carrying out the process of treating organicliquid waste to provide substantially non-toxic reusable watercomprising: biofilter media further comprising one or more filter mediaselectively comprising of anyone or more of culture of geophagusearthworm, bacterial cultures, soil with or without mineral additive;means to process organic liquid waste through said biofilter means inone stage or multiple stages and collect/supply the water thus processedsubstantially free of toxic content.

In another embodiment of the invention an SBT biotower for therenovation of organic waste is provided wherein the process is carriedout in stages with each stage filled with typically 0.30-0.35 m of themedia in the biotower. An embodiment of the system involves up to 10stages with each stage having a free board of 1.8-2.0 m to maintain andalso to carry out routine operation.

In another embodiment of the invention the processed water from any oneof the stages in the bio tower may be re-circulated to any other stageto achieve selective denitrification by contacting the processed waterwith the layered stage that contains higher amounts of BOD/COD.

In another embodiment of the invention, the process for reformingorganic liquid waste into reusable water achieves the removal rateconstant for BOD of upto 0.5/hr, COD for upto 0.4/day, ammonia upto1.0/hr, nitrate nitrogen of upto 0.1/hr, suspended solids of upto0.5/hr, bacteria of upto 1.0/hr and hydraulic loading between about 0.02to 0.1 cum/sq m per hour.

When soil systems are used for renovation of water from organic waste,the system tends to choke. The role of the earthworm—bacterial cultureis to ensure uninterrupted operation. This is reflected in the highvalues of rate constants for the different solutes BOD, COD, AmmoniumNitrogen, Nitrate Nitrogen, Suspended solids, Color, Odor, bacteria thatneed to be removed as described in the examples.

The advantages of SBT processes are 1) land area saving can be designed2) process engages local land resources 3) energy consumption is low asnatural methods of oxygen supply is engaged 4) produces no residues fordisposal which is a major issue in most waste water treatment plants. 5)very stable against load variations and 6) it is a green technology.

The unique features of this green technology are that the BOD, COD,ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, suspended solid, colour, odour,bacteria, sufficient increase in dissolved oxygen, no residues fordisposal are all made possible in a single tank constructed in theground with its top open to atmosphere. In addition use of SBT achievesspace saving, high removal efficiency, engages material that occurslocally, consumes no power for oxygen delivery to the system, leaves noresidues for disposal and is very stable against shock loading. Theseadvantages are unmatched by any known technology.

II. Conversion of Solid Waste to Biofertilizer

The process for manufacture of biofertilizer from organic solid waste(wherein the organics used are selected from municipal, domestic,agricultural, hospital, industrial waste and residues ranging fromanimal excreta, human excreta, vegetable and fruit residues, straw andleaf litter, cooked food, protein residues, slaughter waste, and thelike) involves processing the organic waste selectively in the presenceof cultures of geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata in combinationwith bacterial cultures such as herein defined and mineral source undercontrolled moisture content.

According to one embodiment of the process of the invention involves:(a) processing the organic waste, preferred mineral source powder of aspecific particle size range, soil, bacterial culture source undercontrolled moisture in a geophagus earthworm cultured green space for arequired period; and (b) maintaining the mix for sufficient period toeffect conversion to desired biofertilizer and sieving to a specifiedsize range.

According to another aspect of the invention, yield of biofertilizerproduct of the invention is typically 200-1500 kg/ton raw wastedepending on fertilizer grade, culture grade, soil grade biofertilizerproducts but depends on nature of feed.

Preferably, by adjusting additives and batch time can produce variety ofproducts namely fertilizer to culture grade to soil grade product.Typically products contain about 5-30% organics, about 55-90% minerals,about 10-20% moisture and rich in soil bacterial population and alsocontaining geophagus earthworm culture. Cycle time of 14 weeks istypical. Smaller cycle time require more additives, mechanical shreddingand intensive management.

In another embodiment of the invention mineral additives such as primaryrock powder of about 0.3-0.6 kg per kg waste, natural phosphate powder(about 0.02-0.05 kg./kg waste) and soil (about 0.05-0.2 kg/kg waste),bacterial culture (about 0.01 kg/kg waste) are added to enable organicconversion in a cultured green space to fertilizer grade, culture grade,or soil grade product.

Process control is achieved by adjusting loading rates, moisture levelsand by addition of mineral source so as to prevent anaerobic environmentand as well to eliminate bioindicators of abnormality. Processmonitoring is achieved by observing bioindicators of abnormality viz.mosquitoes, rats, odour and plant health.

In accordance with another embodiment for large scale processing oforganics the invention proposes the use of system of ridges and troughsof height/depth 1-3 m to carry out the conversion of organic waste forbiofertilizer using the aforesaid geophagus earthworm cultural greenspace.

The ridges can have the green plants that house the culture engaged inthe process. For different capacities length of ridges and troughs canbe adjusted. Higher loading as and when required can be achieved byadjusting ridge dimensions. The costs are low since energy inputs arelow and thus would provide a cost-effective process for manufacture ofbiofertilizer.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, culture of the bacteria inthe excreta of ruminant animals—e.g. cow, bullock, buffalo, goat, sheep,etc. preferably fed on cellulose-based feed are selected. The bacterialculture is further propagated by mixing excreta with preferred mineralsource and developed further for about 4-6 weeks in geophagus earthwormcultured green space and harvested for use in different locations togive the appropriate bacterial culture.

In another embodiment of the invention the animal dung is mixed withpreferred mineral source and propagated further in a geophagus earthwormculture green space for about 7-14 days to give soil grade product.

In yet another embodiment of the invention hospital organic waste can bedisposed in geophagus earthworm cultured green space. The space isorganized to receive the hospital organic waste for treatment using theinvented process.

Fertilizer grade product obtained following the process of the inventioncontains typically about 20-30% organics, about 50-65% minerals, andabout 15-20% moisture. The culture grade product contains about 5-10%organic, about 70-80% minerals, about 10-15% moisture. The soil gradeproduct contains about 10-15% organic, about 65-75% minerals andmoisture about 10-15%. All the products contain soil bacterial cultureand geophagus earthworm culture.

EXAMPLES

The inventions are now described and illustrated with the followingnon-limiting examples. Examples 1-3 relate to waste water renovation andExamples 4-7 relate to treatment of organic solid waste.

Example 1

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the system employed. A first tank c1 25.0m×10.0 m×1.0 m below ground was constructed. A slope of {fraction(1/100)} gradient was provided on the bottom surface of the first tankc1. The bottom surface was made impervious. A second tank c2 forcollection of renovated water was provided. A pipe p1 connected thefirst tank c1 to the second tank c2. A second pipe p2 connected thesecond tank c2 back to the first tank c1 to recirculate the processedreusable water for further processing. This is done to achieve higherquality of reusable water. A biodindicator b1 is inserted at variousstages of processing to monitor the quality of the organic waste duringthe various stages of the process. The filter fillings consisted of a300-400 mm layer of formulated earthworm Pheretima elongata soil mediaand 0.3-0.4 m under-drain of stone rubble of sizes varying from 200 mmto 2 mm. The performance of filter operated in batch mode is given inTable 1. Hydraulic loading of 0.02-0.06 m³/m² per hour has beenobserved. Table 2 shows the results of continuous operation. Biofilterfilling details are given in FIG. 2.

In another embodiment, a plurality of first tanks c1 are engaged in theprocess of reforming the organic waste. Each of the plurality of firsttanks c1 are connected to each other by plurality of first pipes p1.This helps in recirculating the water through different tanks to gethigher quality of reusable water. The first tank is connected to secondtank c2 by a second pipe p2. A plurality of bioindicators b1 areinserted into various stages of various tanks c1 to monitor the qualityof the reusable water during the various stages of the process.

Removal of potent pollutants such as BOD, COD, NH₄—N, NO₃—N, phosphate(without using additive), suspended solids, color, odor, bacteria can beachieved. Dissolved oxygen improves significantly due to renovation.Fish inoculated in the filtrate collection tank showed no fatalityduring operation and storage of treated water, indicating fishcompatible water is produced. Redox potential of water improvessubstantially from 50 mV to 800 mV indicating aerobic environment andpathogen destruction.

The typical values for the inlet (initial) and outlet (final) organicwaste are shown in Tables 1 & 2. Variations in input do take place, butthe desirable output water quality is always obtained by adjusting theprocess operating conditions.

It is relevant to note that good phosphate removal is observed withoutusing additive. Wherever higher removal is needed various additivese.g., lime, ferric sulfate, etc. can be used to reduce the phosphates todesired levels.

The operation of this system under batch and continuous modes revealthat earthworm culture Pheretima elongata ensures clogging freeoperation, reproducible media reactivity and absence of abnormalbioindicators and water output parameters indicating excellent waterquality. No fish fatality during the operation is a unique feature ofthe process.

TABLE 1 Batch Biofiltration results for Pheretima elongata cultured soilfilters Item Initial Final pH 7.4 7.0 NH₄ mg/L 15 2 NO₃ mg/L 43 3 TotalN mg/L 21 2 SS mg/L 100 30 COD mg/L 194 104 BOD mg/L 100 5 PO₄ mg/L 9.433.0 Odor ++ − Fish Survival Nil No fatality DO mg/L 0.0   5-5.5 Bacteria(1/ml) 10⁹ 10⁷ Color ++ − Pests & insects +++   − Experimentalconditions: V_(b) = 84.0 m³; V_(r) = 10 m³/hr; V_(f) = 0.0; V₁ = 30 m³,batch time = 4 hr

TABLE 2 Continuous Biofiltration results for Pheretima elongata culturedSoil filter Item Initial Final pH 6.96 7.11 NH₄ mg/L 12.2 2.9 NO₃ mg/L7.8 3.9 Total N mg/L 11.2 3.2 SS mg/L 708 15 COD mg/L 208 83 BOD mg/L110 5 PO₄ mg/L 8.4 6.6 Odor ++ − Fish Survival Nil No fatality DO mg/L0.0 4.5 Bacteria (1/ml) 10⁹ 10⁷ Color ++ −− Pests & insects +++   −Redox Potential, mV 50 800 V_(b) = 84.0 m³; V_(r) = 2.4 m³/hr; V_(f) =5.0 m³/h.

Example 2

A schematic of a biotower is shown in FIG. 3. The results of the use ofthe biotower for renovation of water from organic waste are given inTable 3. A Biotower is constructed using 6 vessels of 30.0L each mountedon a frame vertically one above the other. Each vessel contains the SBTmedia.

In a typical experiment carbonaceous substrate (glucose/sucrose) ischarged form the top of the biotower at a predetermined flow rate. Theoutlet at the bottom of the filter is collected and analyzed for COD.Bioindicators b1 (ORP probes) were inserted all along the tower profileand response was recorded in data acquisition system.

The results show that very high efficiency removal of COD can beachieved. However the overall rate of COD removal for simple molecule(BOD) could be 0.3-0.5 kg/m³ per day. The reactivity of the bed andearthworm activity all along the depth found to be uniform. In view ofthe multiple stages the water quality parameters (BOD, COD, Nitrogen,suspended Solids, color, odor, bacteria, virus) as required can beachieved.

TABLE 3 Results of Biotower studies using 6 stage Pheretima elongatacultured biotower Feed rate, COD inlet COD outlet RUN ml/min. mg/L mg/LpH feed pH out BT1 45 282 2-3 6.8 7.1 BT2 45 668  6-17 7.1 7.5

Example 3

In these experiments a mineral source is contacted with the water fromthe organic waste containing the pollutant (natural & synthetic) inconical flask. The flask is mounted on a shaker incubator to facilitatesolid-liquid contact typically for 30 min. The temperature is maintainedat 28-30° C. The pollutant level in the liquid is determined byfiltering off the solids from the sample reaction mixture. Results ofsewage water contacted with mineral source are given below. Table 4shows the effect of mineral source in wastewater renovation. The resultsshow that use of mineral source in the range 250 mg/L brings aboutsubstantial removal of pollution level in the wastewater.

TABLE 4 Effect of additives for COD and nitrate removal Mineral Powder*SUBSTRATES Additive mg/L Initial mg/L Final mg/L Nitrates (as sewage)200 107 75.9 Nitrates (KNO₃) 66 105 74 COD (as sewage) 200 191 112*Mineral source powder containing silica (20-30% Si), alumina (6-8% Al),iron (1-6% Fe), Potassium (2-8% K), calcium (2-10%), Mg (1-3%)

Example 4

100 kg of cow dung is taken. It is mixed with 100 kg of mineral sourceat ambient temperature of 25-28° C. Free Moisture content of theprepared mix is around 25%. The mix is incubated in anearthworm-cultured bed for 7 days and moisture is maintained bysprinkling water. During the seven-day process the mix is monitored forpH and pest incidence. At the end of 7 days it is sun dried and sievedto less than 500 microns.

The final product obtained is of the following characteristics: (1)fragrant soil smell while free moisture is maintained out around 10-15%(2) free flowing, (3) no pests and insects, (4) contains about 10-15%organics, about 65-75% minerals and 10-15% moisture. The soil productused as medium to grow potted plant shows vigorous plant growthindicating that the soil product is capable of being used as correctionto eroded soils to restore productivity.

Example 5

100 kg of fresh food waste is taken and mixed with 50 kg of mineralsource, 100 g of bacterial culture and is processed in a geophagusearthworm cultured green space. Moisture is maintained at 20 percent andprocessing continued for 14 weeks.

The final product has the following characterisations: (1) fragrant soilsmell while free moisture is maintained at 15-20%, (2) free flowing, (3)no pests and insects, (4) contain about 5-10% organics, about 70-85%mineral and about 10-15% moisture. The culture grade product used asinput to grow potted plants shows vigorous plant growth indicating thatthe culture grade product is capable of being used as correction toeroded soils to restore productivity.

Example 6

An organic waste processing plant to handle 16 tons per day of marketorganic waste is described. An area of 10800 m² is earmarked. The spaceis organized as 20 loading bays each of 30 M (8.0 m base-10.0 m top)×1.0m deep. The green spaces are constructed on ground as ridges of size 30M (2.0 m base-4.0 m top)×1.0 m high. The green space serves as thereservoir of culture required for the process. Suitable space forstorage of additives and product are also provided. The entire space iscultured with geophagus earthworms. Suitable green plants to house theearthworm culture are planted on the ridges.

During loading, the waste is spread over the loading area. Mineralsource in the range 0.3-0.6 kg/kg waste, soil in the range 0.1-0.2kg./kg waste; bacterial culture 0.01 kg/kg waste, natural phosphates ifrequired 0.02-0.05 kg/kg waste are sprinkled. Moisture is maintained at20-30% on the soil. The loaded area is periodically turned manually.This may also be turned mechanically by a tractor and lumps aremechanically shredded.

A 14 weeks schedule for loading and as well 14 weeks schedule forcuring/harvesting is engaged. During harvesting the material from thecuring bays are dug out, screened and bagged. For the batches with anyabnormal bioindicators more mineral powder is sprinkled and the materialturned and allowed to process further for 2-3 days. The fertilizer gradeproduct formed has moisture of 15-20%, 20-30% organic, 50-65% mineralsand is free flowing.

Example 7

Hospital organic wastes are taken directly to geophagous earthwormcultured green space. The wastes are spread carefully on the processingarea protected suitably via impervious lining. Soil in amount of 0.3-0.6kg per kg waste and mineral powder@0.3-0.6 kg per kg waste aresprinkled. Loading is continued till the pit is full typically in 4weeks. The processing is continued for 48 weeks. During processing themoisture in the pits was maintained at 30-40%.

The processed material is turned periodically. Non-biodegradables areremoved and destroyed. The soil is ploughed, mixed with dry leaves andkerosene. The whole mass is ignited and allowed to burn. The next batchis then taken.

Analytical Methods

Analytical Methods engaged for the analysis of COD, BOD, AmmoniumNitrogen, suspended solids, and color have been adopted from “StandardMethods of Water and Wastewater Analysis (APHA, Standard Methods forExamination of Water and Wastewater”, American Public Healthassociation, 18^(th) edition, Washington, 1992). Manual for PhotometerSQ 118, E-Merck (Germany) 1997; Standard Methods of Water AnalysisHandbook, Hach, USA (1997).

Bioindicators such as fish, mosquito, rats and flies have beenidentified visually and reported as our visual observation.

Bioindicators as a tool for assessment of pollution index of environmenthas been adopted from “Aquatic Chemistry” by Stumm, Werner; Morgan, J.J. in Aquatic Chemistry—an introduction emphasizing equilibrium innatural waters, 2^(nd) edition, Wiley Interscience, NY (1981).

Bioindicators b1 are used at various stages of the processes to test forany toxic materials produced. Bioindicators such as fish, mosquito,rats, flies have been identified visually and reported as our visualobservation. Bioindicators as a tool for assessment of pollution indexof environment has been adopted from ‘Aquatic Chemistry’ (by Stumm,Werner; Morgan, J. J.; “Aquatic Chemistry—an introduction emphasizingequillibria in natural waters,” 2^(nd) edition, Wiley Interscience, NY,1981).

Tests for microbiological indicators like Coliform organisms,Staphylococci, Kleibsella pneumonie, Salmonella, Shigella, Entamoebahystolytica, Polio virus, Hepatitis virus were carried out usingmethodology from Standard Methods of Water and Wastewater Analysis(“APHA—Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater,”American Public Health Association, 18^(th) edition, Washington, 1992).

The performance of the different source of organic waste were noted asdetailed under Table 5.

TABLE 5 Performance of different sources of organic waste Market- SourceCow dung Food Waste Vegetables Protein Waste kg wet 100 300 200 200organic Additive B kg 100  30  50  40 Additive L kg −−  10 −  10Additive H kg −−  10 − − PH 6.8-7.5 6.8-7.5 6.8-7.5 6.8-7.5 Moisture inproduct 10-15 10-15 10-15 10-15 (%) Batch Time days  7 200 100 100Product kg 150  60 100 100 Conditioner Product Soil Culture FertiliserFertiliser type Residues Nil Nil Nil Nil Pests on Product Nil Nil NilNil Shelf life of Product 12+ 12+ 12+ 12+ (months) B-silica rich mineralL-relatively low silica mineral H-iron rich mineral

As would be evident from the results under Table 5, the materialproduced following the process of this invention find applications as avariety of soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture gradeand soil grade. Further the products obtained are free of any harmfulresidues and have desirable shelf life. Equally important is the factthat the products are substantially free of toxic substances, which makeit environment friendly and safe for use.

The redox potential of 900 mV indicates high oxygen availability andhence is a very healthy environment wherein the pathogen survival isunlikely. The nutrients in the waste get fixed in biomass and areinternally recycled. The organic loading being small the nutrient levelsin soil do not change much. Overall the results show that the procedurecan handle hospital waste effectively.

Table 6 summarizes the results of treatment of hospital organic wasteprepared as in Example 8. The results show that the hospital organicwaste treated soil has characteristics similar to those of the controlsoil. Pathogens are not detected both in control soil and in treatedsamples.

TABLE 6 Total N and P levels in Soil after Hospital Waste (HW) ProcessTotal E_(h) Bacteria per Item (mV) N (%) P (%) g soil Remarks ControlSoil 900 0.01 0.001 10⁷-10⁸ * Soil after 12 900 0.01 0.001 10⁷-10⁸ *months HW HW Soil after 900 0.01-0.005 0.001 10⁷-10⁸ * curing in Flowerbed HW Soil after 900 0.01-0.005 0.001 Very small * heat treatmentHW—Hospital Waste; *—Pathogens: not detected; E_(h)—Redox potential-highvalue indicates healthy soil

The SBT process disclosed in this invention thus provides a costeffective and simple solution to the problem of organic waste managementwithout creating any toxic wastes or issues of waste disposal. Theproduct produced from this process is environment friendly and can beused as a soil-conditioning agent for diverse applications. It alsoprovides a method for the effective utilisation of the recoverablebio-energy to produce products in high yields, and also offers avenuesto systematically and cost effectively treat organic wastes from varioussources such as hospitals, restaurants, markets, food, fermentation,agro-industries etc.

Overall this process for soil conditioning makes it possible to enhancethe soil productivity in a cost effective manner in a global perspective

All publications and patent applications cited in this specification areherein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication orpatent application were specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changesand modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spiritor scope of the appended claims.

1. A process for treating organic waste comprising: providing a materialcomprising organic waste; contacting said material with a geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata culture, wherein the Pheretima elongataculture is prepared by a process comprising: (a) providing the geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata; (b) providing a covered green space; (c)adding said geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata to said green space;and (d) providing conditions for said geophagus earthworm Pheretimaelongata culture to develop; and providing conditions for conversion ofsaid material by said geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culture. 2.The process for treating organic waste of claim 1, wherein said materialis converted to a biofertilizer.
 3. The process for treating organicwaste of claim 1, wherein said material is a waste water that isconverted to a reusable water.
 4. The process for treating organic wasteof claim 1, wherein said geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata cultureis provided as a biofilter medium.
 5. The process for treating organicwaste of claim 4, wherein said biofilter medium further comprises (a) abacteria culture; and optionally, (b) a mineral source.
 6. The processfor treating organic waste of claim 5, wherein said mineral source isused in amounts up to 200% (w/w) and comprises silica (between about25-30% Si), alumina (between about 6-8% Al), iron (between about 1-6%Fe), calcium (between about 2-10%), magnesium (between about 1-3%),potassium (between about 2-8%), phosporous (between about 0.003-0.1%)and mineral based micronutrients.
 7. The process for treating organicwaste of claim 6, wherein said micronutrients comprise micro quantitiesof Zinc (Zn) and Molybdenum (Mo).
 8. The process for treating organicwaste of claim 6, further comprising: adding a mineral additive to saidbiofilter media.
 9. The process for treating organic waste of claim 8,wherein said mineral additive comprises: rock powder of 0.3-0.6 kg/kgorganic waste; natural phosphate powder (0.02-0.05 kg/kg organic waste);and soil (0.05-0.2 kg/kg organic waste).
 10. The process for treatingorganic waste of claim 9, wherein said rock powder is selected from thegroup consisting of a primary rock powder and a weathered rock powder.11. The process for treating organic waste of claim 8, wherein saidmineral additive comprises lime and ferric sulphate.
 12. The process oftreating organic waste according to claim 5, wherein said organic wasteis selected from the group consisting of municipal waste, domesticwaste, agricultural waste, industrial waste, hospital waste, animal andhuman excreta, vegetable and fruit residue, cooked food, proteinresidue, leaf and straw litter, slaughter waste and combinationsthereof.
 13. A process for preparing a geophagus earthworm Pheretimaelongata culture comprising: providing the geophagus earthworm Pheretimaelongata; providing a covered green space; adding said geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata to said green space; and providingconditions for said geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culture todevelop.
 14. The process of preparing geophagus earthworm culture ofclaim 13, further comprising: harvesting said geophagus earthwormPheretima elongata culture by sieving as powder of less than about 500micron size.
 15. A process for preparing a bacteria culture comprising:providing excreta from ruminant animals, wherein said excreta comprisebacteria; mixing said excreta with a mineral source; developing saidbacteria culture with a geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata cultureaccording to claim 13, in a green space for about 4-6 weeks.
 16. Theprocess of preparing bacteria culture of claim 15, further comprising:harvesting said bacteria culture by sieving as a powder of less than 500micron size.
 17. The process of preparing bacteria culture of claim 15,wherein said mineral source comprises silica (between about 25-30% Si),alumina (between about 6-8% Al), iron (between about 1-6%), calcium(between about 2-10%), magnesium (between about 1-3%), potassium(between about 2-8%), phosporous (between about 0.003-0.1%) and mineralbased micronutrients.
 18. The process of preparing bacteria culture ofclaim 17, wherein said micronutrients comprise micro quantities of Zinc(Zn) and Molybdenum (Mo).
 19. The process of preparing bacteria cultureof claim 15, wherein said ruminant animals are fed on a cellulose basedfeed.
 20. A process of developing a green space comprising: providingorganics to a soil surface, said organics between about 20 and 3 g/m² ofthe soil; maintaining a moisture level between about 30 and 40% in saidgreen space; and adding between about 5 and 10 g/m² per day of a mineralsource.
 21. The process of developing a green space of claim 20, whereinsaid mineral source comprises silica (between about 25-30% Si), alumina(between about 6-8% Al), Iron (between about 1-6%), calcium (betweenabout 2-10%), Magnesium (between about 1-3%), Potassium (between about2-8%), Phosporous (between about 0.003-0.1%) and mineral basedmicronutrients.
 22. The process of developing a green space of claim 21,wherein said micronutrients comprise micro quantities of Zinc (Zn) andMolybdenum (Mo).
 23. The process of developing a green space of claim20, wherein said organics comprise excreta of ruminant animals.
 24. Theprocess of developing a green space of claim 23, wherein said ruminantanimals are fed on a cellulose-based feed.
 25. The process for treatingorganic waste of claim 5, wherein a culture grade of said biofertilizeris prepared by a method comprising: combining said mineral source inamount of between about 0.3-0.6 kg/kg organic waste, a bacteria cultureaccording to claim 15 in amount of about 0.01 kg/kg organic waste, and asoil processed by the geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culture inamount of about 0.05-0.1 kg/kg organic waste to form a mixture; loadingorganics in amount of about 0.1-0.5 kg/m² per day to said mixture;maintaining 30-40% moisture during said process in said mixture; andincubating said mixture between about 180 and 220 days until saidculture grade of said biofertilizer contains 5-10% organics, 70-85%minerals and 10-15% moisture enriched with said bacteria culture andsaid geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culture.
 26. The process fortreating organic waste of claim 5, wherein a fertilizer grade of saidbiofertilizer is prepared by a method comprising: combining said mineralsource in amount of between about 0.3-0.6 kg/kg organic waste, abacteria culture prepared according to claim 15 in amount of betweenabout 0.01 kg/kg organic waste, and a soil processed by geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata culture in amount of between about 0.05-0.1kg/kg organic waste to form a mixture; loading organics in amount of 1-5kg/m² per day to said mixture; maintaining 30-40% moisture during saidprocess in said mixture; and incubating said mixture between about 56and 70 days until said fertilizer grade of said biofertilizer contains20-30% organics, 50-65% minerals and 15-20% moisture enriched with saidbacteria culture and said geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongataculture.
 27. The process for treating organic waste of claim 5, whereina soil grade of said biofertilizer is prepared by a method comprising:combining said mineral source in amount of about 1.0 kg/kg organicwaste, a bacteria culture prepared according to claim 15 in amount ofabout 0.01 kg/kg organic waste, and a soil processed by geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata culture in amount of be ween about 0.05-0.1kg/kg organic waste to form a mixture; loading organics in amount ofbetween about 1-5 kg/m² per day to said mixture; maintaining betweenabout 30-40% moisture during said process in said mixture, andincubating said mixture for a period of time until said soil grade ofsaid biofertilizer grade contains 10-15% organics, 65-75% minerals,10-15% moisture enriched with said bacteria culture and said geophagusearthworm Pheretima elongata culture.
 28. The process of treatingorganic waste of claim 27, wherein said organics are excreta of ruminantanimals.
 29. The process of treating organic waste of claim 28, whereinsaid period of time between about 7 and 14 days.
 30. The process oftreating organic waste of claim 27, wherein said organics include finelydivided organic food waste.
 31. The process for treating organic wasteof claim 30, wherein said period of time is between about 28 and 35days.
 32. The process for treating organic waste of claim 5, whereincreating said biofertilizer further comprises: combining said mineralsource in amount of 0.3-0.6 kg/kg organic waste bacteria cultureaccording to claim 20 in amount of about 0.1 kg/kg organic waste, and asoil processed by geophagous earthworm culture in amount of betweenabout 0.3-0.6 kg/kg organic waste to form a mixture; loading organics tosaid mixture, said organics being hospital organic waste; incubatingsaid mixture between about 10 and 14 months; maintaining 30-40% moistureduring said process in said mixture; burning said mixture with said leafand straw litter; and recovering said biofertilizer after incubatingsaid mixture for 28 weeks.
 33. An organic waste treatment systemcomprising: (a) a biofilter media comprising a geophagus earthwormPheretima elongata culture; (b) a bacteria culture; and optionally (c) amineral source.
 34. The organic waste treatment system of claim 33,further comprising a mineral additive.
 35. The organic waste treatmentsystem of claim 34, said mineral additive comprising: rock powder of0.3-0.6 kg/kg organic waste; natural phosphate powder (0.02-0.05 kg/kgorganic waste); and soil (0.05-0.2 kg/kg organic waste).
 36. The organicwaste treatment system of claim 35, wherein said rock powder is selectedfrom the group consisting of (a) a primary rock powder and (b) aweathered rock powder.
 37. The organic waste treatment system of claim34, wherein said mineral additive comprises lime and ferric sulphate,said mineral additive assisting in reducing phosphate content.
 38. Theorganic waste treatment system of claim 33, wherein said system achievesremoval of up to 95 mg/L BOD, up to 90 mg/L COD, up to 13 mg/L ammonia,up to 40 mg/L nitrate nitrogen, up to 70 mg/L suspended solids, up to105 units/ml bacteria with hydraulic loading of 0.02 to 0.06 m³/m² perhr over a 4 hr batch time.